Lead Mechanical Engineer – Major Hydro Project

Re-Generate; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Jora New Zealand is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design for a major hydro infrastructure project in a complex EPC environment. You will oversee a multidisciplinary team, set design standards, and manage interfaces with civil, electrical, and automation disciplines.

The role requires chartered status and a track record of delivering large-scale hydro or similar infrastructure projects, with strong commercial and stakeholder management capabilities.

Qualifications

• Chartered or equivalent Mechanical Engineer with significant experience in major infrastructure, hydro, water, energy, or industrial projects.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary mechanical design teams in complex, multi‑party delivery environments.
• Strong understanding of engineering contracts, particularly design obligations, technical queries, changes, risk allocation, and change management.
• Strong commercial and stakeholder management capability with collaboration, technical rigour, and contractual discipline.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and governance skills, including presenting technical matters to senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall mechanical design strategy for the major hydro infrastructure project, from concept to handover.
• Provide technical leadership across the mechanical design team, setting standards and ensuring quality and compliance.
• Build and lead a high‑performing mechanical design team and embed robust design processes and QA systems.
• Develop and maintain an integrated mechanical design programme aligned to the master programme, with interface coordination.
• Manage mechanical aspects of the contractual and commercial strategy under FIDIC Yellow Book, including changes and claims support.
• Coordinate multiple contractors, suppliers, and internal teams to align scope, programme, and interfaces with other disciplines.
• Establish and maintain a formal mechanical interface management framework with escalation pathways.
• Oversee mechanical project controls, including design hours, cost input, risk, and governance reporting.

Job description

Jora New Zealand is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design for a major hydro infrastructure project in a complex EPC environment. You will oversee a multidisciplinary team, set design standards, and manage interfaces with civil, electrical, and automation disciplines.

The role requires chartered status and a track record of delivering large-scale hydro or similar infrastructure projects, with strong commercial and stakeholder management capabilities.